Joint-boss John Embery insists Faversham’s squad are good enough to compete in Isthmian South East.

The Lilywhites, knocked out of the FA Trophy last weekend, are second-bottom having taken just four points from seven league fixtures.

But despite going to Grays for their Third Qualifying Round tie with a patched-up squad, Embery says they were unlucky to lose to the Isthmian North high-fliers 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw.

“We have to take it game by game,” said Embery, whose side host 16th-placed Lancing this Saturday. “The team is playing well enough.

“That’s how we see it. It’s been a bit of a strange one, building a new side in the summer.

“We have got a squad good enough to compete now, we just need to get some wins behind us. A couple of wins will help people settle down a bit more.

“We’ll look at Christmas time to see where we are - and if we can push for the play-offs or a good position in mid-table.”

Town’s defence was severely depleted at Grays, with Dan Carrington (knee) and James O’Halloran (knee) sidelined while Jono Richardson has also struggled recently to make himself available.

Thomas Briant had been due to start in defence - only to injure his groin in the warm-up - which eventually left Faversham playing playmaker Bradley Schafer at left-back.

Nevertheless, the Lilywhites acquitted themselves well and Embery was proud of his team’s performance, as frontman Junior Aikhionbare came off at half-time injured, too.

“We deserved to win. We hit the post twice and the goalkeeper made some great saves,” Embery reflected.

“We were the much better side but it went to penalties and they’re a bit of a lottery.

“But the team is coming together nicely now. We were patched-up as well, we had to change it around defensively. We just need to convert those performances into results.

“We definitely have the team to do it now because we are not conceding many goals. It’s just a bit of luck which has cost us.”

Embery explained centre-back Richardson has been unavailable recently having changed jobs.

“It’s been really hectic for him, he has a new job,” he said. “He cannot dedicate the time at the moment.

“He has not been getting to training and, even with midweek games, he’s getting there just before kick-off.

“It’s gone mad for him but, hopefully, it will calm down for him in the next week or two.”

On the absence of Carrington, Embery added: “He has had a hamstring problem for a little while.

"He's getting over that but he tweaked his knee against Chichester. We are hoping he will be okay for Saturday.

"James O'Halloran, we are waiting for his MRI results. We are just hoping it's nothing too serious - a few weeks' rest and, hopefully, it'll be okay.

"I think he is having it Thursday and so we should know the results by next week."

Town have used their under-23s players amid their injury crisis.

Embery said: “We had to do that because we had injuries and they have acquitted themselves well.

“Ultimately, you cannot just ask the chairman for more money for players every time.”

Aikhionbare could also be back this weekend against Lancing (kick-off 1pm).

Faversham visit leaders Ramsgate on Wednesday in the Velocity Trophy.